Hong Kong

Among its nearly 300,000 residents, the community of Tin Shui Wai is called the 'city of sadness' for its high rate of unemployment, suicides, and spousal and child abuse. About 15 years ago, it began a transformation into an urban town with high-rise buildings as tall as 50+ stories.  Many families with low income moved to this new town, including a considerable number of single parents and people with little education or with mental health problems.  There are few job opportunities, so many residents either depend on government aid or must travel long distances to their work.

In early 2008, Kids Alive partnered with The Hong Kong Student Aid Society Primary School to launch an after-school academic guidance project for 30 - 40 students who were academically below average. Kids Alive also provided a 4-week summer class for these students, consisting of fun, study and religious activities. There now are about 90 students from grades one to six in the project.